Characterization of risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea and its association with absenteeism among nurses.

PURPOSE: To characterize risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its relationship with nurses' absenteeism. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2018 to 2020 at a 1,000-bed academic hospital complex and biomedical research facility in Tehran, Iran. Participants were selected through consecutive sampling after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent. Data on demographics, medical conditions, occupational characteristics, and absenteeism were collected through face-to-face interviews. The STOP-Bang questionnaire was utilized to assess the probability of OSA. Statistical tests included the Mann-Whitney U, t-test, Chi-square, and multivariable regression. RESULTS: In this study involving 304 nurses, the majority were female (81.3%), with an average age of 35. About 27 participants (8.9%) had a high probability of OSA, with male sex, older age, higher body mass index, neck circumference, and diastolic BP identified as the main determinants of OSA. Additionally, shift work and night shifts were associated with increased absenteeism, while sex showed no significant association with absenteeism rates among nurses. CONCLUSION: Male sex, neck circumference (obesity), night shifts, and diastolic BP can predict OSA risk. However, unauthorized absence from work is not associated with a high risk for OSA (STOP-BANG ≥3) or the individual risk factors of OSA.

PCB plasma level in different occupational groups in Iran.

Despite the ban of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) some decades ago, concerns regarding their adverse health effects are continuing, because the workers employed for installation and repair of electrical equipment may be still exposed to PCBs. This study aimed to assess serum PCBs levels in workers in different industries. To do this, we determined the serum concentrations of 9 non-dioxin-like PCBs and 12 dioxin-like PCBs in 147 workers from seven occupational groups and 35 housewives. An electrical distribution company, paint manufacturer, and pesticide manufacturer were categorized as high probability exposure jobs, whereas turning and casting operations, polymer plastic manufacturing, professional driving, and office work were categorized as low probability exposure jobs. In addition, the average of PCB 138, 153, and 180 and PCB sums were observed to be significantly higher in paint manufacture workers compared to the another groups. In addition, the average PCB 118 level was higher in electrical distribution workers and housewives. Following the adjustment for age, blood lipid, residency place, and seafood in the regression model, the association of PCB 118 in electrical distribution workers and PCB 153 in paint manufacture workers remained significant. The results of this study served as further support for the hypothesis for an occupational basis for bioaccumulation of some PCB types. However, the plasma levels of almost all PCB congeners in Iran were found to be lower than many other countries.

Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and related factors among nurses.

Objective: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition among women during their menstrual cycle. PMS can negatively affect a woman's daily life and function. Nurses, as an important and substantial segment of healthcare staff, are affected by the demanding environment of work place. Since PMS, as a prevalent counterproductive condition, has not been studied in this population in Iran, we assessed the prevalence of PMS and its associated factors among nurses aged 23 to 49 in teaching hospitals of the Tehran province of Iran. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study from April 2021 to January 2022, 280 participants from teaching hospitals were enrolled. Simple random sampling was used to determine the sample size of the study. Two validated questionnaires and a data gathering sheet were used to collect information. The premenstrual symptoms screening tool was used to determine PMS severity and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire to evaluate the associated job demands. Demographic data and work-related data included: night shift, shift type, monthly COVID-19 care and gynecologic and past medical history were gathered. Then data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, chi-square and t-test. Results: The severity of PMS was: mild (42.5%); moderate (30%); and severe (27.5%). Regular menstruation and dysmenorrhea were reported by 84.6% and 72.3%, respectively. Moderate to severe PMS was associated with: monthly COVID shift (p=0.02); emotional (p<0.01) and quantitative (p<0.01) demands; regular caffeine intake (p=0.01); education level (p=0.005); regular exercise (p=0.003); regular fiber intake (p=0.08); and irregular menstrual cycles (p=0.007). In logistic regression only quantitative (p=0.003) and emotional (p=0.018) job demands were significant. Conclusion: Results showed that the prevalence of PMS was high among Iranian nurses and was associated with quantitative and emotional job demands. We suggest further studies focusing on preventative and effective interventions to diminish the consequences of PMS in this population. We also suggest investigating the practical application of the findings of this study for healthcare professionals and policymakers.

The association between job stress and metabolic syndrome among medical university staff.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between job stress and each component of metabolic syndrome has been previously suggested; however, this association is not consistent. The present study was conducted to assess the association between job stress and metabolic syndrome and its components in a group of Iranian workers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was performed on 3,537 randomly selected staff in Tehran University of Medical Sciences including the staff of clinical, administrative, and service departments with at least one year of working experience. The overall frequency of metabolic syndrome was assessed based on the international diabetes federation (IDF) criteria. The Persian version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) was used to measure major domains of psychosocial factors in the workplace. RESULTS: The overall frequency of metabolic syndrome in the assessed personnel was estimated to be 22.1 % and there was a significantly higher rate of metabolic syndrome in office workers and service personnel compared to clinical staff (OR: 1.51, CI 95 %: 1.25-1.82 and OR: 1.74, CI 95 %: 1.41-2.14, respectively). Health and well-being as a major domain of COPSOQ was found to be significantly impaired by the presence of metabolic syndrome. According to the results of multiple logistic regression modeling, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and impaired health and well-being domain remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, marital status, educational level, and employment category. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed a close association between job-related stress and the impaired well-being in the presence of metabolic syndrome among the medical university staff.

Association between type of physical activity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, Islamic Republic of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the role of occupational-related physical activity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the association between different types of physical activity (work-related, transport-related, home-time and leisure-time) and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a sample of Iranian workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to November 2018 among 415 workers of a rubber factory in Tehran province. Physical activity levels of the participants were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Blood sample were analysed for cardiovascular disease risk factors (fasting blood sugar ≥ 100 mg/ dL, triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL, total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85 mmHg and waist circumference ≥ 102 cm). Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were also measured, as was body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease differed significantly according to type of physical activity. Fasting blood sugar ≥ 100 mg/dL and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 had a significant negative association with overall physical activity level (P < 0.001). In a logistic regression analysis, leisure-time physical activity had a significant negative correlation with all risk factors for cardiovascular disease after adjusting for age and smoking. CONCLUSION: Leisure-time physical activity has a more important role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors than other types of activity, including work-related physical activity.

Effects of Simultaneous Exposure to Smoking and Welding Fume on Pulmonary Function Tests in Spot Welders.

BACKGROUND: The respiratory effects of fume exposure during spot welding may aggravate some environmental risk factors such as tobacco smoking. Fume exposure and smoking have negative effects on pulmonary function tests (PFTs). This study assessed the simultaneous effects of smoking and welding fume on spirometry tests in spot welders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 667 spot welders and 1000 assemblers in an automotive manufacturing plant. Spirometry was carried out on all the participants under standard conditions and according to the American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guidelines and indices including FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF 25-75, and PEF were measured and compared between two groups of the study population including workers of spot welding and assembling. RESULTS: It was found that the effect of simultaneous exposure to smoking and welding fume was aggravated on the PFT indices including the FEV1 percent, FEV1/FVC, the FEV1/FVC percent, the PEF percent, FEF25-75, and the FEF25-75 percent, but not on indices such as FVC, the FVC percent, and PEF. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous exposure to smoking and welding fume resulted in a reduction in some spirometry indices, causing respiratory airway obstruction in the spot welders. Occupational safety and regular medical examinations with shorter intervals in smoking spot welders can prevent acute respiratory effects of exposure to smoking and welding fume.

Insomnia and its association with absenteeism: A cross-sectional study among Iranian nursing team.

OBJECTIVE: Given the potential impact of insomnia on nurses' performance, it is assumed that insomnia is associated with their absence from work. The present study aimed to determine the insomnia status and its association with absenteeism among a selective group of Iranian healthcare providers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 304 healthcare providers working at Imam-Khomeini hospital complex in Tehran. The study population were assessed by insomnia severity index for characterization of insomnia symptoms. The data of absenteeism was collected from the employees' attendance system of hospital's nursing and staff department. The multivariable linear regression model used for predicting determinants of insomnia and absenteeism in nursing team. RESULTS: Different degrees of insomnia was found in 79.9% of the study population, which 57.2% suffered from mild insomnia, 21.4% from moderate insomnia, and 1.3% from severe insomnia. The prevalence of insomnia was significantly higher in persons who were absent from their workplace frequently, or left because of illness. The mean days for total absenteeism in healthcare workers with moderate to severe insomnia was significantly higher than others with mild and no insomnia. In multivariate analysis, having night shifts and the severity of insomnia could predict absenteeism in studied population. DISCUSSION: A majority of healthcare workers suffer from insomnia that may lead to their work absenteeism and decreased performance. Proper administrative and individuals for management of sleep problems is required to avoid long hours of absenteeism among nursing team.

Association of plasma levels of lipid and polychlorinated biphenyls in Iranian adult.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) continues over the world through seafood consumption and indoor exposure to building materials containing PCB. This study aimed to assess the relationship between plasma level of PCB congeners and lipid profile and Body Mass Index (BMI) as well. METHODS: The study population consisted of 181 Iranian adults. Data on BMI, plasma concentration of PCB congeners and serum level of lipid profile including Triglyceride, low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins, recruited from database of a project entitled "Occupational and environmental exposure to PCBs in Iran". Multiple linear regression analysis of associations between different quartiles of PCB congeners and various lipid fractions and BMI have been conducted. RESULTS: A linear increase in average serum Triglyceride and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels of participants in first, second, third and fourth quartiles of some PCB congeners was obtained. Following adjustment for age, gender, diet and other variables, only the association between different quartiles of PCB 138, PCB 153, PCB 118 and PCB sum and TG remained statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The study showed a significant positive relation between plasma PCBs concentrations and serum level of TG in the study population with normal PCBs levels.

Effects of Car Painting Vapors on Spirometric Parameters in Automobile Painting Workers.

BACKGROUND: Automobile spray painting is considered a high-risk occupation for respiratory diseases. The present survey aimed to assess the effects of automobile paint vapors on spirometric parameters among workers of a painting workshop in a large automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 820 workers of an automobile manufacturing plant, including 431 spray painters (case group) and 389 assembly line workers (control group). Spirometry was conducted for all participants under standard conditions, according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Clinical Practice Guidelines. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and forced expiratory flow at 25% and 75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25-75) were reported. RESULTS: Painters with more than ten years of work experience had significantly lower predicted values of FEV1/FVC (P= 0.005), FEV1 (P=0.008), and FEF25-75 (P=0.003), compared to the control group. Also, painters who were exposed to solvent-based paints were not significantly different from those exposed to water-based paints in terms of spirometric parameters (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated the impact of automobile spray painting on the spirometric parameters. A slight decrease in the mean values of these parameters calls for attention to occupational safety, regular medical examinations, and effective measures.

Assessment of psychosocial factors in office and operational groups of employees of a Regional Electricity Distribution Company in Iran - A case study.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown an association between unfavorable psychosocial factors and personal and organizational outcomes. In recent years, psychosocial issues have received top priority between work environment factors. This study aimed to provide a first insight into psychosocial stressors in electricity distribution industry in Iran and compare the psychosocial factors between two job categories of office and operational workers. METHODS: The study population was employees of an electricity distribution company in Iran. The standard Persian medium size of Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire (COPSOQ) was used in this study to measure psychosocial factors. The questionnaire comprised 5 domains and 26 scale. Mean and standard deviation of each scale and domain were obtained for office and operational workers separately and the results were compared. RESULTS: Higher scores were obtained in the domain of "job demands" of operational workers. In the domain of "job contents", More Unfavorable condition was obtained for office workers. No significant difference was seen in the domain of "inter personal relationship". More unfavorable scores for operational workers were obtained in the domain of work-individual interface" in a univariate analysis, but after adjusting the confounders including age, type of employment, directorship status and income, multivariate analysis did not show any significant difference. In the domain of "individual Health and well-being", higher scores were obtained for operational workers. CONCLUSION: This study provides support regarding the differences of psychosocial working environments between office and operational workers in electrical distribution industry. It is worth considering these differences of psychosocial factors at employees scheduling.

Association of plasma PCB levels and HbA1c concentration in Iran.

BACKGROUND: The rapid increase in prevalence of diabetes mellitus over the last decades warrants more attention to the effects of environmental and occupational exposures on glucose metabolism. Our study aimed to assess the association between the plasma levels of various congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the serum concentration of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). METHODS: Our study population consisted of 140 Iranian adults from seven different occupational groups and a group of non-occupationally exposed female participants. The plasma concentration of PCBs were determined at the laboratory of occupational toxicology at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. We considered an HbA1c concentration of 5.7% and more as indicating a disturbed glucose metabolism. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between quartiles of concentrations of PCB congeners and serum HbA1c. RESULTS: Participants with an increased HbA1c value had higher plasma levels of PCB 138, 153, 180 and the PCB sum, although this association was statistically not significant. There was no significant difference between the levels of PCB 138, 153, 180, the sum of these congeners, and PCB 118 in their quartiles when comparing with HbA1c concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: For our cohort, we could not demonstrate a significant association between PCB and HbA1c concentrations indicating a disturbance of glucose metabolism.